Yogurt for Nausea

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JESSICA BRUSO Last Updated: Aug 16, 2013

Jessica Bruso

Based in Massachusetts, Jessica Bruso has been writing since 2008. She holds a master of science degree in food policy and applied nutrition and a bachelor of arts degree in international relations, both from Tufts University.

Yogurt has beneficial bacteria for the digestive tract.Photo Credit yogurt image by anshuca from <a href="http://www.fotolia.com">Fotolia.com</a>

Yogurt can be a healthy food, since it is a source of protein and calcium, as long you avoid the types that are loaded with sugar. Most types of yogurt contain probiotics, which may help keep your digestive system and your immune system healthy. In some cases, it can also help if you are suffering from nausea.

When to Consume

If you are pregnant and suffering from nausea, it can be helpful to consume yogurt before foods that cause an increase in saliva, such as salty foods. This will limit the nausea that is sometimes caused when saliva hits an empty stomach, according to AskDrSears.com. Low-fat yogurt is also a good food to consume once you have started to recover from an illness involving vomiting, but not until after the first day during which you can keep food down.

When to Avoid

Although yogurt can help limit nausea in some cases, other times it may actually cause nausea or make you feel worse. If you have an illness that is making you vomit, you should avoid yogurt and other foods until you can keep down liquids. If you are lactose intolerant, you may want to avoid yogurt if you are feeling nauseous, or if it causes nausea when you consume it since yogurt does contain a small amount of lactose.

Best Type

Choose a yogurt with live active cultures that doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup, added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Look for a brand that provides approximately 20 percent of the Daily Value for calcium, and opt for plain yogurt or yogurt that is only sweetened with fruit. Fat-free yogurt will help minimize the calories contained in the yogurt, which should be between 15 and 20 per ounce, according to registered dietician Keri Glassman.

Considerations

Keep hydrated if your nausea is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, and once you can keep liquids down, slowly introduce bland foods that are not likely to cause stomach issues, such as saltines, rice, applesauce and bananas. Although yogurt can help limit nausea for some people, you need to check with a doctor to make sure your nausea isn't caused by a serious medical condition that needs to be medically treated.

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